Liverpool vs Leeds United – Match Preview and Team News | OneFootball

Reigning champions Liverpool welcome a resilient Leeds United to Anfield for a New Year’s Day showdown.

Notably, this clash comes just weeks after their high-scoring 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Impressively, Arne Slot’s side enter 2026 on a four-match winning streak in all competitions. Recently, they moved up to fourth in the table following a 2-1 victory over Wolves. While the Reds currently find their rhythm, they remain five points clear of the chasing pack in the race for European spots.

Similarly, Leeds arrive on Merseyside in fine form. In fact, they boast a five-game unbeaten run that moved them seven points clear of the relegation zone. Crucially, Daniel Farke’s men proved they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s elite. Specifically, they secured draws against the Reds and Sunderland during a prolific December. Because both teams miss key defensive and attacking mainstays, this New Year’s opener poses a significant test of squad depth.

Liverpool vs Leeds United – Match Preview and Team News

Team News

Liverpool

Arne Slot is boosted by the return of key midfielder Dominic Szoboszlai, who is available after serving a one-match suspension. However, the Reds are hit hard by international duty, with talisman Mohamed Salah away with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations. Longer-term absentees include Alexander Isak (fractured leg), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Wataru Endo (ankle), and Joe Gomez (hamstring). Additionally, Ibrahima Konate is just one yellow card away from a one-match suspension.

Leeds United

The visitors suffered a significant blow as mainstay defender Joe Rodon has been ruled out for up to three weeks with an ankle ligament injury. Consequently, Daniel Farke will have to reshuffle a backline that is already missing Sean Longstaff and Daniel James. On a positive note, Lukas Nmecha has returned to action after his recent layoff and featured as a substitute last weekend. Tactically, Farke may look to Sebastiaan Bornauw or Sam Byram to cover the defensive void at Anfield.

Form

Liverpool

The Reds have turned Anfield into a stronghold once again, losing just one of their last 17 Premier League meetings with Leeds. Historically, Liverpool are specialists in the first game of the year; they have won five of their last six New Year’s Day fixtures and are unbeaten in their last nine attempts when playing at home to start a calendar year. Arne Slot will look to Florian Wirtz to continue his creative spark, as the midfielder has registered a goal or assist in each of his last two appearances.

Leeds United

The Whites are remarkably consistent in the first month of the year, entering this match unbeaten in their last 10 league games played in January (W6 D4). In attack, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is currently in the form of his career, netting seven goals in his last six matches. If he scores today, he will be the first Leeds player since 1960 to score in six consecutive top-flight games. Leeds have also been lethal from dead-ball situations, already matching their entire 2022-23 set-piece goal total of 12.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike

Leeds United predicted XI: Perri; Bogle, Struijk, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor

How to watch Liverpool vs Leeds United?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 17:00 GMT.

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